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In a series of recent hearings focused on Goods and Services Tax (GST) liabilities for the 2021 financial year, Sierra Leone’s Public Account Committee (PAC) has issued significant directives.
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has been instructed to remit one billion old Leones to the Guma Valley Water Company. Conversely, the Guma Valley Water Company is required to pay EDSA five billion old Leones.
The PAC’s extensive reviews also highlighted the ongoing financial entanglements between key institutions. The Ministry of Finance, EDSA, and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) have been identified as entities with outstanding payables and receivables, which are expected to be settled by 2025.
Musa L.A. Fullah, a senior staff member of the Sixth Parliament’s Public Account Committee, attributed the collection of over thirty billion old Leones to the heightened compliance from various ministries, departments, and agencies regarding GST backlogs. Fullah praised the committee’s leadership under Deputy Speaker and PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawah Conteh, noting significant improvements in the committee’s operations and public engagement.
Under Conteh’s leadership, the PAC has enhanced its efficiency, acquiring new equipment including laptops, printers, and an ICT technician. This modernization has strengthened communication with the public and improved collaboration with the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Accountant General.
Fullah commended Conteh for his commitment to financial recovery and his proactive approach to the PAC’s functions. He also highlighted that a new PAC secretariat building project is underway, with a designated piece of land and completed feasibility study set to support the committee’s future activities.
